Dale was born and raised in Spokane. He graduated from Central Valley HS and Spokane Falls CC with a degree in Graphics and Illustration. He began drawing at age 4 and never stopped. He enjoyed everything from cartooning to painting. Growing up he loved camping, climbing trees, riding his bike to the Clay Pits, boating and anything to do with music; listening, playing and going to concerts.
He loved his family heritage and was a true Scotsman through and through, even eating Haggis. Working as a freelance artist he designed and illustrated logos, murals and t-shirts for several businesses and organizations such as Central Valley School District, SE Spokane County Fair, Spokane Highland Games, Cheney Rodeo and annually illustrated the Spokesman Review’s Young People’s writing contest. He worked for Wildlife Collectibles/Creative Pewter Designs for over 30 years, painting their products with intricate detail. He won several artistic awards over the years and had a painting hanging in the Salmagundi Museum in New York. Every Christmas family and friends would wait with anticipation to receive and be delighted by his original artwork Christmas cards.
Dale was also a great musician, playing all types of stringed instruments from guitar to dulcimer. He was a self-taught luthier, building mandolins, acoustic and electric guitars for gifts and for fun. He played guitar and bass with his church worship team for 20 years. He was also the guitarist, bassist and occasional singer of two local Rock/Americana/Eclectic bands, Granny’s Ashes and Sunday’s Mail, which he co-founded and formed with close friends and family.
In 2011 Dale moved with the love of his life Carrie, to Rockford Washington. Together, along with her extended family, he began the next chapter in his life, and what a wonderful life that was! He loved the area and was active in the community, building props for the Rockford Frog Regatta, VBS, the Fair and even built a miniature replica of the main street buildings.
Dale leaves behind many, many family and friends, with broken hearts to mend. He cherished each and every one of them, as they did him. He is survived by his mother, Lois, Laurel and Ed Eby, Shannon and Steven Wise, adored nieces Michaela, (Peter) and baby Amelia Howard and Jordan Eby. Carrie and her family Nicki, Jon, Elijah and Evan Seehorn, and Heidi, Jake, Maddy and Samantha Johnson became his own family and he became their “papa.”
He was a strong mentor, role model and friend. He touched the lives of so many with his kindness, humor, and incredible ability to obtain knowledge. You definitely wanted him on your trivia team! He truly faced each day as a gift, never complaining or showing anger all the while fighting for a replacement heart. He was the "quiet Beatle", a gentle giant, a loving soul.
Dale is with our heavenly Father, to paint the heavenly skies and jam in the greatest band. So when you see a beautiful sunset or hear the sounds blowing through the trees, think of Dale and smile.
If anyone so desires, donations in his memory can be sent to Rockford United Methodist Church,
PO Box 71, Rockford WA 99030.
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